Flooring panel or wall panel and use thereof

ABSTRACT

Flooring panels can have a variety of widths. In one embodiment, panels or boards of different widths are packaged together to give the installer a great deal of flexibility in constructing the floor in order to achieve a realistic looking surface. In another embodiment, the panels have locking joints which allow the panels to be maintained in an installed condition until a pre-applied glue is allowed to set.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/228,065,filed Aug. 27, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.09/891,460, filed Jun. 27, 2001, each of which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a building panel, such as a flooringpanel or wall panel and the use thereof to form floors, walls, cladding,etc., by assembling a plurality the panels. In one embodiment, thepanels have particular utility for flooring or cladding a wet room. Theinvention additionally relates to a glueable panel for forming agenerally planar surface. The invention is also directed to a method ofassembling a planar surface from a plurality of panels. While the usesfor a planar surface are numerous, the invention will likely be mostcommonly used as a floor, especially a floating flooring where the flooris not attached to the subfloor.

2. Background

During the last few years laminated floors have achieved and increasedin popularity and on many markets they are beginning to replace parquetfloors and wall-to-wall carpets. In the production of laminated floors adecorative thermosetting laminate is first produced. This laminateusually consists of a base layer of paper sheets impregnated withphenol-formaldehyde resin and a decorative surface layer comprising adecor paper sheet impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin. Thelaminate is produced by pressing the different layers at a high pressureand at an increased temperature.

The laminate thus obtained is then glued to a carrier of particle board,for instance, or used as such without any carrier and it is then calledcompact laminate. The laminated panel thus produced is then sawn up to anumber of floor boards which are provided with groove and tongue at thelong sides and the short sides thereof. Often the floor boards producedhave a thickness of about 7 mm, a length of 120 cm and a width of about20 cm. Thereby they can usually be put on top of an existing flooringmaterial at a renovation. According to another alternative, instead oneor more of the above decorative sheets can be laminated directly towardsa base sheet of particle board for instance.

At the assemblage of such a flooring, glue is normally applied in thegroove when the floor boards are assembled. Therefore, it will bedifficult to change a damaged board or to remove a whole flooring and,for instance, install it in another room.

To avoid the above problem efforts have been made to achieve floorboards which can be assembled without glue. One such construction isdisclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,341. There the boards are providedwith groove and tongue in the usual way, but here a snap-together systemis included in the groove-tongue joint.

These floor boards can be assembled without glue. However, they have thedisadvantage that the joints between the boards will be flexible and notrigid. Moreover, the joint between adjacent boards is not tight. Thismeans that if the surface below the floor boards is not completely even,which is usually the case, a gap will be formed between the boards. Intothese gaps dirt and water can penetrate. Thus, although glue is notrequired, it is certainly within the scope of this invention to provideglue during installation, either as a preglue, i.e., provided at thefactory during manufacture, or applied during assembly of the surface.

Assembly and installation of floor covering is often an arduous task.For example, unlike carpet or wallpaper, the wood covering requiredskill, precise measurement and specialized tools in order to install itcorrectly. Unlike carpet or wallpaper, wood flooring could be neitherstretched nor folded in order to accommodate the dimensions of a room.Additionally, wood flooring, especially flooring of tile or planks,required precision fitting in order to prevent the occurrence of gaps orcracks which would affect the physical appearance, as well as thedurability and wear-resistance of the covering. This was also true oflaminated flooring which has become popular in recent years, includingthe so-called “glueless” floors which have edges framed withinterlocking patterns. Such floors cannot generally be assembled bypushing the panels together in the same plane, but must be manipulatedthrough a series of angular motions in a particular sequence to assemblethe panels into a floor. Therefore, great care and skill are required toinsure that the tiles and panels of the surface covering fit neatly andtightly together. This often proved to be an arduous task, as hundredsof tiles or panels were generally required in order to cover a desiredsurface.

In order to properly install a conventional surface covering, one wasgenerally required to carefully install the covering, tile-by-tile, andgenerally tapping and/or nailing each tile into place, or gluing andadhering the newly-placed tile to the surface to be covered, as well asthe previously-placed tile. With the so-called “glueless” floor, theplanks required manipulation to assemble them and the floors have beenknown to fail at the joint since the interlocking patterns at the edgesare relatively thin, being machined into these plank edges. Becausenumerous tiles or panels were often required to be placed, there was theomnipresent danger of one of the tiles or panels becoming unseatedduring installation, which often required an installer to re-do his workto replace the shifted tile or panel. Still further, temporary clamps orinstallation straps were required to maintain the panels in positionuntil the glue dried.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, the last mentioned problem has beensolved and a building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel,preferably of thermosetting laminate and preferably having two pairs ofparallel side edges has been brought about. In such a preferredembodiment, two of these side edges are provided with a locking means inthe form of a groove and the other two are provided with a tonguefitting in the groove whereby a tongue/groove joint for assembling ofthe panels is formed. The groove and the tongue are preferably made of awater resistant or water tight material and formed with a snap-togetherjoint including one or more snapping webs or the like with correspondingcooperating snapping grooves. In one embodiment, the groove in front ofthe snap-together joint has an entrance opening and continues inside thesnap-together joint into a stabilizing groove. The tongue is formed witha rear neck intended to fit in the entrance opening and a forwardlyprotruding stabilizing part situated in front of the snap-together jointand intended for a tight fit in the stabilizing groove, wherebyconnecting panels when assembled by the snap-together joints and thestabilizing parts in the stabilizing grooves are fixed to each other andprevented from unintentional separation while at the same time a rigidfloor covering or wall covering respectively with water tight joints andwithout unintentional gaps between the panels is obtained. In otherembodiments, where the effect provided by the stabilizing groove andstabilizing part is not desired, these stabilizing parts can be omitted.

According to one preferred embodiment two adjacent side edges of thepanel are provided with a groove and the other two side edges with atongue. In this embodiment, the panel is usually quadrilateral, such asrectangular, but it can also be square.

In square panels it is also possible to provide a pair of parallel sideswith a groove and the other pair with a tongue. However, the choice ofpattern on the surface layer of the panel is limited with this shape. Inother embodiments, the perimeter of the panel comprises three or five,or more, such as six or eight, side edges and the arrangement of thegrooves and tongues can be varied. The series of panels which areconnected to form a floor, wall, or other system need not all be of thesame shape.

It is preferred that the groove and the tongue are made of a water proofor water resistant material, such as a thermoplastic, a thermosettinglaminate, aluminum or a cellulosic product such as a wood fiber board(including the so-called HDF and MDF boards), chipboard or particleboard or a veneer impregnated or coated with a waterproofing material,such as oil, wax or a thermoplastic or thermosetting substanceincluding, but not limited to, polymeric resins. It has been found thattreating the panel with a liquid plastic substance such as apolyurethane gives excellent results. Of course, also other waterproof,water tight or water resistant materials can be used.

In another embodiment, the groove, as well as the tongue, are formed asa ledge fixed to the side edges of the panel. Suitably the ledge-formedgroove and tongue respectively are then fixed in a recess along the sideedges with glue, for instance. Alternatively, the integral tongue andgroove portions of the panels can be formed in either the base material,the laminate material and/or both.

Protrusions which form the snapping webs can be formed on the upperand/or lower side of the tongue while cooperating depressions which formthe snapping grooves are formed in the groove.

In one preferred embodiment one snapping web is formed on the upper sideof the tongue and one on the lower side thereof while the groove has twofitting snapping grooves one at the top and one at the bottom of thegroove. These snapping webs may be diametrically opposite one another oroffset from one another. The corresponding snapping grooves will bepositioned according to the position of the snapping webs so as tocooperate therewith. In an alternative, but equally preferredembodiment, the tongue may be provided with an uneven number of snappingwebs on the upper and lower side of the tongues, e.g., none above andone below, one above and two below, etc.

If necessary one pair of snapping webs can be formed on the upper sideof the tongue and one pair on the lower side thereof. Of course, youthen need two snapping grooves at the top and two snapping grooves atthe bottom of the groove to fit with the snapping webs. Thisconstruction will give an extremely strong joint.

Of course, in all these embodiments, the snapping webs can be arrangedin the groove and the snapping grooves on the tongue. A greater numberof snapping webs may also be positioned above the tongue than below thetongue without departing from the invention.

In the preferred embodiment using the stabilizing parts, the width ofthe stabilizing part is 1-10 mm, preferably 2-10 mm, most preferably4-10 mm. Generally, a wider stabilizing part with fitting stabilizinggroove gives a better rigidity of the assembled panels.

The stabilizing part will also assist in a correct assemblage of thepanels. Thus, when the stabilizing part moves into the stabilizinggroove you get a correct level of the panels and the panels can easilybe pushed into the correct position where you do not have any gapbetween the panels. Of course, without any substantial gap between thepanels, water and dirt are prevented from entering the assembled panels,flooring or wall covering.

As a safeguard against water penetration a seal might be arranged in theinner part of the stabilizing groove for instance. Alternatively, byselectively engineering the materials used in the tongue and/or grooveportions of the panel of water resistant or water proof materials ofsuitable geometry and elastic modulus, the snapping action can befacilitated by permitting displacement or flexing of the elementsdefining the tongue and/or groove while the resilience permits snappingof the locking feature to bring said panels into forming a tight jointsuch that the joint is said to be waterproof or water tight. A joint iswater tight when standing water will not significantly penetrate thejoint for several hours.

Notwithstanding that the joint is tight to the point of being waterproofor water tight, the panels may be dismountable from each other aftersnapping the panels together.

Preferably the grooves and the tongues run the full length of the sideedges of the panels, although they may be intermittently interruptedalong the length of the panels.

The panels can be designed in such a manner that the underside of thegroove and/or the tongue are situated in the same level as the undersideof the panel.

The panels can be used for covering floors and walls in ordinary dryrooms. However, due to the tight joints and in other cases due to therigid and water tight joints, the panels can be used also for wet rooms.For such applications the whole panel is preferably made of plastic orthermosetting laminate of so-called compact laminate type. Such alaminate does not absorb water.

Another alternative is a water resistant and/or non water-absorbing basewith a water tight surface. The surface may, for instance, consist of apaint, a thermoplastic foil such as polyethylene, polypropylene orpolyvinyl chloride, a paper sheet impregnated with a resin, such as athermosetting or UV-curing resin such as one comprising acrylate and amaleimide, or of a thermosetting laminate.

One suitable non water-absorbing base is a board produced by pressingand consolidating wood particles or wood chips impregnated with athermoplastic or other binders.

In other embodiments of this invention, the panels or boards are cutinto smaller sections. Specifically, in order to allow greaterflexibility in designing and installing floors or other structures withthe boards of the invention, the individual panels may have widthsand/or lengths only a fraction of conventional widths and/or lengths.For example, a single package, sold as a single unit, may contain panelshaving varying widths and/or lengths. As a result, a greater variety ofdesigns may be achieved in the final assembled structure. Foe example,the different board lengths allow floors to more closely imitatetraditional hardwood floors, or in the alternative, achieve a fanciful,nonconventional design. Because the panels of this embodiment may beprovided with any type of joining structures, including various of theknown tongue and groove joints on any edge, even greater flexibility ininstallation pattern is achieved.

The invention is additionally directed to a glueable panel for forming agenerally planar surface. The panel includes a first surface, lyingsubstantially in a plane, and a second surface facing opposite the firstsurface and disposed substantially parallel to and displaced from thefirst surface. A perimeter of the panel is defined by edges extendingbetween the first and second surfaces. The edges may include male edgesand/or female edges.

In one embodiment, the panels of the invention are provided with edgesthat are dimensioned as to increase the friction between assembledpanels such the glue may dry without the necessity for external clampsor installation straps. In another embodiment, each male edge includes atongue extending outwardly from the male edge and a longitudinallyextending void extending inwardly of the tongue. Each female edgeincludes a groove having a protrusion positioned within the groove. Theprotrusion extends outwardly from the groove generally parallel to thefirst surface. Adjacent panels may be linked to similar panels such thatthe tongue engages the groove and the protrusion enters into the void.

Alternatively, the tongue may include a pair of flange-shaped fingers,and the void may extend between the fingers. The void may be formed as ageneral U-shape. Optionally, the U-shape may be formed with an enlargedbight, and the protrusion may include a bulbous end, such that the bightand the bulbous end are formed to cooperatively engage one another whenthe protrusion is inserted into the void.

The foregoing are but exemplary ways of increasing the friction orproviding an interlocking joint of strength sufficient to permitassembly of adjacent panels without clamping, and without the need forinstallation straps, or, hammers and tapping blocks. In fact, the panelsof the invention can be installed by using hand and arm pressure alone,without the aid of any tools or machines of any kind. Thus, as usedherein, the term “manual” means, “without the aid of tools or machines.”The friction or interlock need only be sufficient to hold the panelstogether while the adhesive sets. Panels may be formed where all theedges are identical, for example, all male, or all female edges, or thepanels may have differently shaped edges of common gender, e.g two maleand two female edges per plank. When more than one male or female edgeappears on a single plank, it is not necessary that all single male (orfemale) edges have the same shape, i.e., the shape of each male edge candiffer from other male edges, and each female edge can differ from otherfemale edges. For example, a male edge on a long side of the plankingmay have a male edge on the short side of the plank which differs inshape. Optionally, adjacent panels are formed to slidingly engage oneanother along engaged edges. This engagement allows sliding movement butrestrains relative movement of the panels transverse to the engagededges. Such sliding movement facilitates the gluing of the panels, aswill be discussed below.

The panels may be formed of any geometric shape. Commonly, the panelswill form rectangles, including squares, and each male edge may bepositioned opposite, or adjacent a female edge. Of course, other planargeometric shapes are also possible, such as triangles, pentagons,hexagons, octagons, or the like.

Typically, the first (or top) surface of the plank is covered with alaminate. The laminate may be selectively chosen for aesthetics to makeany type of pattern, such as a wood grain or stone pattern, for example.Laminates may be of the high pressure laminate (HPL) or direct laminate(DL) types. Typically, the laminate includes a decorative paper, hardparticles such as alumina, silica, diamond, silicon carbide and thelike, to resist abrasion and scratching, and a resin, such as melamineor other thermosetting resin. Additionally, the panel may also includean adhesive positioned along at least one of the male edges oOr femaleedges. The adhesive may be one which is placed on the panel when thepanel edges are manufactured or formed at the factory. However, theadhesive may alternately be one placed on the edges immediately beforejoining the edge to an adjacent panel. In one preferred embodiment, theadhesive, placed on the panel at the factory, is contained within oractivated by microballoons that are ruptured upon joining of the plankedges. Alternatively, the adhesive may be activated by use of anactivator, such as water or a solvent, or perhaps the adhesive may beactivated by a chemical reaction that is initiated by friction of thepanels contacting one another, i.e., placing one part of two-part systemone panel and a second part of the system on an adjacent panel.Alternatively, the adhesive may be actuated after the panels are joined,such as by ultrasonic radiation penetrates the panel and ruptures amembrane, releasing a component of the adhesive.

The panels are formed to fit together such that when a first surface ofa first panel abuts a first surface of the adjacent panel, there remainsno gap therebetween when the panels are in an installed condition.

The invention also includes a method of assembling a planar surface frominterlockable panels, such as the ones referred to above. The methodincludes the steps of providing a plurality of interlockable panels,placing the first surfaces of adjacent panels within a common plane, andmanually linking the male edge of a first panel with the female edge ofa second panel, or vice-versa by sliding the panels in a common plane.Such assembly can be done using hand and arm pressure alone on ahorizontal planar surface. The joints do not require lifting orrotating, or a hammer or tapping block or other tool, that providesleverage to close the joint. An adhesive is applied to the joined edges,which allows the installer to select a desired position, then allow theadhesive to cure with the panels in position. The edges are configuredto hold the panels in a joined condition until the adhesive cures.Because the edges have sufficient friction or interlock to hold thepanels in place while the adhesive cures, no clamping is needed, and nostraps are required.

In one embodiment of the method, the linking step may include the stepof aligning the male edge of the first panel with the female edge of thesecond panel in a substantially collinear fashion, then engaging themale edge of the first panel into the female edge of the second panel.

Alternatively, the method includes the step of snap-fitting the maleedge into the female edge.

Hand and arm pressure is all that is needed to assemble the friction andinterlocking joints of the present invention.

In the embodiments of the invention, the method may also include thestep of sliding the panels along the joint edge until a desired positionis reached.

Also, the embodiments of the method include the step of applyingadhesive to at least one of the male edges or the female edges. Theadhesive may be applied immediately before joining the panels, or it maybe activated (such as, by a solvent or by the rupturing of microballoonsthat contains either solvent, adhesive, or reactive components).Optionally, the adhesive is self-activated so that the adhesive becomesactive upon joining adjacent panels, e.g. the male edges contain onepart of a two part adhesive and the female edge contains the other part.The joining of the panels causes the adhesive to become activated.

The invention will be further explained in connection with the enclosedfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically shows a panel 1 according to the invention seenfrom above. The panel is drawn as a rectangular shape but it can just aswell be square or other quadrilateral.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a cross section through two adjacent edges of twoembodiments of a panel where two such panels are to be assembled.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a joint between two panelscontaining offset snapping webs on the tongue.

FIGS. 5-7 are schematic representations of three other embodimentsshowing different placements, number and arrangements of snapping websand snapping grooves on panels.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a joint between two assembledpanels in another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9-12 are schematic representations of four other alternativeembodiments showing different placements, number and arrangements ofsnapping webs and snapping grooves on panels.

FIGS. 13-16 disclose various methods of assembling the panels into afinished structure, such as a floor.

FIG. 17 shows an additional embodiment of the panels of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment, according tothe principles of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18depicted in the joined condition.

FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional enlarged view of an alternative embodimentof an interlocking joint that juxtaposes the male edge of one panel andthe female edge of another.

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectioned enlarged view of an alternative embodimentof increased friction joint.

FIG. 19C is a further cross-sectional enlarged view of a still furtherembodiment of a joint according to the invention.

FIG. 20 presents a perspective view of a further embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 21 is a plan view, showing a sliding method of assembly.

FIG. 22 depicts a plan view showing an additional method of joiningadjacent panels.

FIG. 23 is a plan view, illustrating the sliding relationship ofadjacent panels.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the method according tothe invention, showing a diagonal direction of installation.

FIG. 25 is a cross-section of a friction-fit joint.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The panel 1 consists of a base of cellulosic materials, such as woodparticles impregnated with a resin, such as a thermoplastic material,with a decorative thermosetting laminate as a surface layer 17 glued ontop.

The panel 1 has two pairs of parallel side edges 2, 3 and 4, 5respectively (FIG. 1). Two of these side edges are provided with lockingmeans in the form of a groove 6 and the other two with a tongue 7fitting in the groove 6, whereby a tongue/groove joint for assembling ofthe panels is formed.

The groove 6 and the tongue 7 are made of a water tight material andformed with a snap-together joint. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2,the snap-together joint consists of two snapping webs 9, one on theupper side of the tongue 7 and one on the lower side of tongue, thesewebs 9 cooperating with two fitting snapping grooves 10.

In front of the snap-together joint, which means the snapping webs 9 andthe snapping groove 10, the groove 6 has an entrance opening 8. Insidethe snap-together joint the groove 6 continues in a stabilizing groove13.

The tongue 7 is formed with a rear neck 11 intended to fit in theentrance opening 8 of the groove 6. In front of the snap-together jointthe tongue 7 has a forwardly protruding stabilizing part 12 intended fora tight fit in the stabilizing groove 13.

The parts 9 and 10 included in the snap-together joint are also adaptedto each other to give a tight fit and strong joint. To increase thiseffect further the snapping grooves 10 are provided with undercut edges18 which cooperate with the backside of the snapping webs 9 with thesame undercut.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the groove 6 and the tongue 7 aremade of thermosetting laminate and formed as a ledge fixed by glue in arecess along the side edges of the panel. The under side 14 of thegroove 6 is situated in the same level as the under side 15 of the paneland the under side 16 of the tongue 7 is situated in the same level asthe under side 15 of the panel!. In the embodiments of FIGS. 4-12, thetongue and groove are formed of the same material as the body of thepanel. Thus, when the body of the panel comprises a carrier of a resinimpregnated cellulosic material, such as fiber board, the tongue andgroove are formed of the same material as the carrier of the panel. Inother embodiments, the base or carrier itself can be formed of a waterrepellent material, such as plastic. When pushed together, the panelsmake a distinctive sound, which we have nicknamed the “click” system.

When connecting panels have been assembled by the snap-together jointsand the stabilizing parts 12 inserted in the stabilizing grooves 13, thepanels are fixed to each other and prevented from unintentionalseparation. A rigid floor covering or wall covering with water tightjoints and without unintentional gaps between the panels is obtained.The usual rotation of the snapping webs 9 in the snapping grooves IOisprevented by the stabilizing parts 12 in the stabilizing grooves 13.Accordingly these parts are essential for the possibility to get a rigidjoint between the panels.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is very similar to that according to FIG.2. The difference is that only the under side of the tongue 7 isprovided with a snapping web 9. The upper side is lacking a snappingweb. Accordingly there is only one snapping groove 10 at the bottom ofthe groove 6.

The embodiment of FIG. 4, though similar to FIG. 2 in having the upperand lower sides of tongue 7 provided with snapping webs 9, such snappingwebs are longitudinal displaced along tongue 7.

The embodiment of FIG. 5 shows the provision of an uneven number ofsnapping webs 9 on tongue 7 where an upper and lower snapping web arevertically aligned but a third snapping web, positioned on the undersideof the tongue 7 is longitudinally displaced at a distance towards themain body of the carrier.

In FIG. 6 is illustrative of a further embodiment, similar to that ofFIG. 4 in having longitudinally displaced upper and lower snapping webs9. However, in FIG. 6 is provided a nose 19 on the upper edge of panel1, proximate the tongue side of the panel. Such nose 19 assists inproviding a tight joint when similar panels are assembled together. Thenose may alternatively be provided on the groove side of the panel orfurther on both the tongue and groove sides of the panel.

FIG. 7 illustrates the same type of nose 19 as in FIG. 6, however, inthis embodiment, the lower snapping webs 9 are both longitudinallydisplaced towards the main body of panel 1 such that the most distalsnapping web 9 lies vertically beneath nose 19 and the other snappingweb 9 is inwardly positioned.

The embodiment of FIG. 8 illustrates a unique design for both tongue 7and snapping webs 9 and snapping grooves 10. In this embodiment, tongue7 is undercut so as to provide a sloping surface 20. Moreover, the wallsof the backsides of snapping webs 9 and the corresponding walls ofsnapping grooves 10 are vertical, or nearly so. This configurationpermits at least one of the panels to be tilted relative to the otherpanel to provide for disassembly of the floor panels. The sloped surface20 accommodates such tilting and thus, the disassembly of the panels.Moreover, the radius covers 21, 22 of the panels edges facilitate the“turning” of the assembled panels away from each other.

As in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the embodiments of FIGS.4-8 may comprise an upper surface of a thermosetting laminate, a plasticfoil such as an olefin plastic, paper sheets impregnated with athermosetting or UV-curing resin comprising acrylate and a maleimide orsimilar materials.

In FIGS. 9-12, a panel 1 comprises a base of cellulosic material 11 witha decorative surface 17. The decorative surface 17 can be athermosetting laminate, a plastic foil, such as an olefin plastic, papersheets impregnated with a thermosetting or UV-curing resin comprisingacrylate and a maleimide or similar materials. The cellulosic material11 is the same as or similar to that used in the embodiments of FIGS.1-8. However, as shown in FIG. 9, groove 16 contains an upper snappinggroove 99 and a lower snapping groove 23. While each of groove 99 and 23are vertically overlapping with each other, they are not coextensive.Snapping groove 99 is positioned proximate the groove edge 31 andsnapping groove 23 extends further distal to groove edge 31, though bothgroove 99 and groove 23 are located with an imaginary vertical plane Pextending through the top of panel edge 40. On the tongue side of panel1 of FIG. 9 are two snapping webs 34, 35, configured and located so asto snap into cooperating grooves 99 and 23 on an identical panel (notshown).

In FIG. 10, is a panel constructed similarly to that of FIG. 9, with themodification that two upper snapping grooves 97, 98 and one lowersnapping groove 101 are provided. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the upperand lower snapping grooves engage with corresponding upper snapping webs103, 104 and lower snapping web 105 when a similar panel 1 is located soas to check or snap into place.

FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 9 except that the position of upper and lowersnapping grooves 199, 123, respectively, are offset as shown.Additionally, lower web 106 of groove edge 31 extends distally beyondplane P which is an imaginary vertical plane extending through the topweb 116 of groove 31.

Snapping webs 203, 205 are configured so as to be received withcorresponding snapping grooves 199, 123, respectively, when an identicalpanel is horizontally pushed into place.

FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 10 except insofar as the lower web 206extends distally beyond imaginary plane P extending vertically from thetop edge 216 of groove 31. As in the previous figures, upper and lowersnapping webs 303, 304, 305 are configured so as to be matingly receivedin snapping grooves 297, 298 and 301 of an identical panel.

FIGS. 13-15 and 25 7are illustrative of various ways to assemble thepanels according to the invention. In each of these FIGS. A and Brepresent two panels assembled in a first row, C represents a firstpanel assembled in a second row and D represents a new panel to beassembled so as to adjoin said first and second rows. All of such newpanels D are assembled by horizontally pushing the new panel D in one ofthe following steps.

In FIG. 13, new panel D is engaged at its “short side” 401 with a shortside 402 of panel C and is horizontally pushed in the direction of arrow501 so as to slide along the short side 402 of panel C with panel D'srespective upper and lower snapping webs are received in the respectiveupper and lower snapping grooves of panel C and until the “long sides”403 of panel D engages with the edges 404,405 of panels A and B.

In the alternative installation method of FIG. 14, new panel D isengaged at its long side 403 with the long side 405 of panel B andhorizontally moved along arrow 602 until panel D's short side 401engages with short side 402 of panel C. The horizontal motion does notrequire that any of the panels be “tilted” or “angled” out of the planeof the paper in order to joint the new panel D with any of thepreviously laid panels A-C.

Still further, new panel D may be simultaneously assembled with shortside 402 of panel C and the long sides 404 and 405 of panels A and B byexerting a force in the direction of arrow 202 as shown in FIG. 15. Aspecial tapping block (not shown) configured to engage with the tongueand groove segments of new panel D can be used to horizontal urge panelD into simultaneous engagement with each of panels A, B, and C.

FIG. 16 shows a “double” horizontal push method of assembling a newpanel into engagement with previously laid panels. In this embodiment,new panel D is placed with its long side 403 at a distance (forinstance, 2 cm) from the long sides 404 and 405 of panels A and B,respectively. Then the new panel D is pushed horizontally in thedirection of arrow “a” until the short side of 401 of panel D snapstogether with the short side 402 of panel C. Then, panel D is pushedhorizontally in the direction of arrow “b” (while still engaged withpanel C along the joint formed by short side 402 of panel C and shortside 401 of panel D) until the side 403 of panel D snaps together withthe long sides 404 and 405 of panels A and B, respectively.

Thus, we have disclosed not only a configuration of making panels havingunique tongue and groove configurations which permit “glueless” assemblyof the panels by a click system, but also a method of assembling suchpanels into a finished structure, such as a floor.

The body of the panels in some of the embodiments are intended to beassembled without glue, but certainly glue or other sealing substancecould be applied to the vicinity of the joint. Especially in theembodiments where the panels are intended to be installed in orproximate wet rooms, but also in ordinary rooms, the panels, especiallythe tongue and groove portions, can be coated or impregnated with awaterproofing material, such as an oil, wax, paint or otherwaterproofing material such as a liquid plastic coating, likepolyurethane.

Alternatively, instead of a waterproof or water resistant layer on acarrier, the entire panel body can be made of a waterproof material,such as plastic, in which case the tongue and groove portions may bemade of the same material as, and a unitary part of, the panel.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the joints can be“pre-glued,” i.e., have a glue system applied at the factory which gluesystem can be activated upon assembly of the panels 1 into a finishedstructure, such as a floor. For example, the friction applied byassembling the panels as in FIGS. 13-16 can be used to rupturemicroballoons containing a catalyst or other component of an adhesivesystem to cause the assembled panels to be adhesively connected at thejoint upon assembly.

Alternatively, the tongue portion of the panels can be pre-coated withone component of a two component adhesive system and the groove portioncan be precoated with another component of the two component system,such that upon assembly of the tongue and groove portions of twoadjacent panels, the adhesive system is activated to cause the panels tobe adhesively connected at their joint.

It is within the scope of this adhesive system to include a blowingagent so as to form a foam filled adhesive. Alternatively, the adhesivemay act more as a sealant, sealing the joint against ingress of water orother liquids when the panels are assembled into a structure, such as afloor.

Other adhesive systems, such as the use of initiators, inclusion ofblowing or gas generating agents, multipart systems, such as a two resinsystem comprising parts one and two, wherein the catalyst or curingagent for part one is included with the part two resin and the catalystor curing agent for part two is included with the part one resin may beapplied at the factory, and initiated when the panels are installed.

Initiation may also occur when a protective strip is removed from thepanel edges just prior to assembly of the panel, the removal of theprotective strip exposing reactive components of the adhesive system.

Such modifications of the above pre-glued system will be apparent tothose skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

It should be appreciated that we have provided a building panel andmethod of assembling the same which will result in tight joints betweenpanels such that the assembled panels, used as flooring or cladding,which will be water repellent, that is, impervious to water standing onthe surface of the joint, whether or not a pre-glued system is appliedto the panel.

The panels of each embodiment of the invention may be joined throughrelative horizontal movement, i.e., movement in a plane parallel to theupper surface of the panels, as disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 10/195,405,which is continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/637,114, filed Aug.11, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,683, which in turn, is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/894,966, filed Aug. 28, 1997,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,778, filed as PCT Application No. PCT/SE96/00256on Feb. 29, 1996, claiming priority from Swedish Application No.9500910, filed Mar. 7, 1995, the entire disclosures of which are hereinincorporated by reference. However, the panels may be joined by anymethod. For example, vertical movement, such as described by U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,536,178 and 6,591,568, and angled movement, such as described byU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,006,486 and 6,490,836 (and all of the referencesdisclosed therein), as well as installations requiring connectionelements, such as the metal elements used in the systems of U.S. Pat.No. 5,706,621 and WO 93/13280, and other U-shaped elements, may beperformed to join the panels of this invention. Each of the documentsmentioned in this paragraph are incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIG. 17 demonstrates an additional embodiment of this invention. Asshown therein, the boards, typically, are laminated panels having awidth less than the width of conventional boards, in order to resemblethe width of traditional hardwood floor planks. For example, whileconventional boards are 8 inches wide, the boards of this embodiment canbe less than 8 inches, typically no greater than approximately 4 inches,no greater than 2 inches, or between approximately 0.5 and 4 incheswide, preferably 0.7″ to 3 inches, or 1 to 2 inches, more preferably1.125 and 2.375 inches.

Additionally, because conventional boards are all of substantiallysimilar widths, when boxes are packaged with the conventional boards,all the boards inside the box are of the same width. However, becausethe boards of this invention need not be all of the same width, it isconsidered within the scope of this invention to provide a box, or akit, containing boards of varying widths. For example, one kit maycontain one or more 2 inch wide boards, as well as 4 inch wide boardsand one or more conventional 8 inch wide boards.

Furthermore, the boards of this embodiment may also have differentlengths than conventional laminated panels, such as fractions of thelengths of conventional boards. Specifically, while the conventionalpanels often have lengths on the order of 4 feet (approximately 1200mm), the boards of this invention have different lengths, again to moreclosely approximate the look of traditional hardwood floor planks. Forexample, the boards of this embodiment may have lengths anywhere betweenapproximately 2.5 and 40 inches, preferably, lengths of 1 foot, 2 feet,and 3 feet.

Because conventional boards are all of substantially similar lengths,when boxes are packaged with the conventional boards, all the boardsinside the box are of the same length. However, because the boards ofthis invention need not be all of the same length, it is consideredwithin the scope of this invention to provide a package, or a kit,containing boards of varying lengths. For example, one kit may containone or more 2 feet long boards, as well as 3 feet long boards and one ormore conventional 4 feet long boards.

This embodiment may be assembled via the horizontal slide methoddisclosed throughout this application. In other words, it is preferredthat the boards can be assembled by relatively horizontally sliding theboards to engage a tongue and groove joint disposed on at least the longedge of the panels.

While the edges of the boards or panels of this embodiment may include atongue and groove system capable of maintaining a tight joint betweenthe panels without the need for glue, in another embodiment, the panelsor boards are provided with a pre-glue system as described herein.

The use of a pre-glue system allows for greater flexibility and greatertolerances when forming the tongue and groove. For example, withconventional glueless tongue and groove joints, the strength of thejoint (the “locking strength”) is determined by the particular design ofthe tongue and groove. When the actual shape of the tongue and grooveare altered, even slightly, the resulting joint may fail when used forthe intended purpose, e.g., when subjected to stresses normallyencountered when used as a floor.

By incorporating a pre-glue system into the horizontally-assembledpanels, these tolerances need not be as strict. For example, in oneembodiment, the structure of the tongue and groove need only besufficient to join and hold adjacent panels in place, but only until thepre-glue system actually glues the panels together. In other words, forpanels provided with, e.g., the micro-balloons described herein, thelocking strength allows the rupture of the micro-balloons and setting ofthe adhesive or glue maintained herein. While the locking strength issufficient to hold the panels together, the application of normalstresses, such as foot traffic or the moving of furniture, would likelyovercome the locking strength. However, inclusion of a pre-glue systemallows such stresses to be applied once the glue has set, as the gluegreatly compliments the locking strength.

By utilizing the tongue and groove design of this embodiment, along withthe preglue system, installation of the panels is significantlysimplified. Because the locking strength need not be as great whencompared to conventional glue-less joints, installation no longerrequires the use of a tool. For example, many conventional horizontallyassembled panels require means for applying a great force, e.g., atapping block and a hammer, in order to fit the tongue into the grooveand form the tight joint sufficient to overcome normal stresses.However, because the joint of this embodiment need not designed overcomenormal stresses without the use of the pre-glue system, it is possibleto form the tongue and groove configurations such that such tools arenot required. That is to say, this embodiment permits the assembly ofthe panels without the need for tools, e.g., blocks, to, hammer panelsinto place, as only simple hand and arm pressure is required.

The tongue and groove system provided with boards of this embodiment isnot limited. For example, while it is possible to include thehorizontally-assembled system as described throughout this applicationon only two sides, it is considered within the scope of this inventionto provide the horizontally assembled system on all four sides, orsubstitute up to all four sides with any other assembly system, forexample, a vertically assembled system. Finally, while this applicationdescribes the panels being rectangular, i.e., having two sets ofparallel sides, defining right angles there between, such aconfiguration is not required, as the boards may define any polygonalstructure, such as triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons anddodecahedrons, and such polygons need not be regular, i.e., they canhave differing angles and side lengths.

FIG. 18 shows a view of a first embodiment of the invention. Each panel100 includes a first surface 512 and a second surface 514. The perimeterof each panel is defined by edges; the edges may comprise a male edge516 and a female edge 518. Each male edge 516 may include a tongue 520having a void 521 extending longitudinally thereon.

Each female edge 518 may include a groove 522 having a longitudinallyextending protrusion 524 therein. The protrusion 524 is shown asextending in a plane generally parallel to the first surface 512.Alternatively, the protrusion 524 may be a continuous rib that extendsalong the groove 522. The protrusion 524 may also comprise a rib that isinterrupted at various places along the groove 522.

A laminate 536 may cover at least one of the first 512 or second 514surfaces. As shown in FIG. 18, the laminate 536 may cover only the firstsurface 512; however, a laminate 536 may be applied to both surfaces orneither surface 512,514. Optionally, the panel, including the portionsforming the tongue and groove, can be of one piece, e.g., of plastic,metal, or a resin. Alternatively, the laminate 536 may be substitutedwith a foil, plastic, or other material, such as a wood veneer. Thelaminate 536 may be bonded to a substrate 512, 513, such as compressedcellulosic particles, e.g., strandboard, plywood, or bonded fibers, suchas HDF or MDF. The joint portions may be formed by milling the edges, bymolding the edges, or by adhering a separate edge to the substrate.Milling is the preferred method.

FIG. 19 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 18 except that the adjacentpanels 510 are shown in a joined condition. In the joined condition, thetongue 520 of male edge 516 engages and fits within the groove 522 offemale edge 518. Additionally, the protrusion 524 engages and fitswithin the void 521. Groove 522 is shown in FIG. 19 as beingsubstantially larger than the size of the male edge 516 or the tongue520, however, when a foaming agent is used as a preglue system, uponjoining of the male edge 516 to the female edge 518, the foaming agentmay fill this void. Additionally, a relief section 532 is provided as amethod of ensuring an adequate contact between the adjacent panels 510.

The terms “male edge” and “female edge” are used herein for illustrativepurposes only, in order to give a greater understanding of theinvention. Therefore, the definition of these terms, as used herein, isnot necessarily identical to the respective definitions that may be usedin the art.

At least one of the male edges or female edges 516, 518, may include anadhesive 530. FIG. 19 shows the adhesive 530 to be on both a male edgeand a female edge, although the adhesive 530 may be on only one. Theadhesive 530 may be any of several types of adhesive. For example, aconventional glue may be applied to one of the edges shortly beforeinstallation. Alternatively, the edge 516, 518, may be pre-formed withan adhesive built onto it. Specifically, the edge 516, 518 may includemicroballoons filled with an adhesive, or an activator for an adhesive.These microballoons may rupture upon installation, thereby enhancing thestrength of the joined panels. The adhesive may also be activated bycertain wavelengths of light, for example ultraviolet or infrared,acting upon a photoinhibitor contained within the adhesive.

The panels may further include chamfered edges 526 adjacent theintersection of the male edge 516 and second surface 514. Conversely,the panels may also include a chamfered edge 527 adjacent theintersection of the female edge 518 and the second surface 514.

FIG. 19A shows an enlarged view of a cross-section of the embodimentshown in FIG. 19, allowing depiction of the male and female edges 516,518 in greater detail. The adhesive 530 is generally applied to one ofthe gluing surfaces 541 on the groove 522, or perhaps to one or more ofthe gluing surfaces 542 of the tongue 520. The adhesive may also beapplied to the protrusion 524 or the recess 521.

The view shown in FIG. 19A also shows that the protrusion 524 may have aridge 523 formed to complement a bulge 523′ in the recess 521 of thetongue 520. Additionally, the protrusion 524 may have a ridge 525 formedto complement a bulge 525′ on the recess 521 of the tongue 520.

Additionally, the female edge may have a wider area 543 on the tongue520. The glue need not be applied to all surfaces of the joint edges. InFIG. 19A, glue is applied to surfaces 541, and 542 but is not applied torecess 521 nor protrusion 524. FIGS. 19B and 19C illustrate alternativeembodiments of the joints of the invention.

FIG. 20 shows another configuration of the panels 510. The embodimentshown in FIG. 20 differs from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 18 and 19,19A and 19B; however, elements having similar structure and functionhave been given identical reference numerals in order to simplifyexplanation of the invention.

In this embodiment, each panel 510 comprises a first surface 512 and asecond surface 514 facing opposite the first surface 512. The perimeterof the panel 510 is defined by edges; the edges may include male edges516 and female edges 518. Each male edge will include a tongue 520, andeach female edge will include a groove 522.

Each tongue 520 may include at least two flange-shaped fingers 528, 529extending outwardly from the male edge 516. A void 521 may extendbetween the fingers 528, 529. The void 521 may be formed as a generalV-shape having an enlarged bight 532. The female edge 518 may include aprotrusion 524 extending outwardly from the groove 522. The protrusion524 may extend generally parallel to the first surface 512, andoutwardly from the groove. The protrusion 524 may terminate in anenlarged bulbous end 540. As shown, the protrusion 524 is a rib thatcontinuously extends longitudinally along the groove 522. However, theprotrusion 524 may also be interrupted along the longitudinal length ofthe groove 522.

The void 521, protrusion 524, enlarged bight 532 and bulbous end 540 mayall be cooperatively formed to tightly engage one another when thepanels are assembled and interlocked with one another.

When the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 is assembled, the enlarged bulbousend 540 may actually be too large to fit into the void 521. In order tofit the protrusion 524 into the void 521, the flange-shaped fingers 528of the tongue 520 may outwardly deform to allow the bulbous end 540 toenter the void 521. When the bulbous end 540 reaches the enlarged bight532, the flange-shaped fingers 528 may return to their originalposition, thereby helping retain the protrusion 524 within the void 521.Alternatively, the bulbous end 540 may compress as it is inserted intothe void 521, and then return toward its original size as it reaches theenlarged bight 532. The enlarged bight 532 also provides a volume whichpermits excess glue to be captured within the joint and prevents gluefrom squeezing to the top surface 512 of the panel, where it may beunsightly and would have to be removed in a separate step.

When the panels 510 are linked with one another, their first surface 512may abut one another in such a way that no gap exists between the firstsurfaces 512 of the panels 510.

FIG. 21 illustrates a first embodiment of a method of assembly foradjacent panels 510. According to this method, the panels 510, 510′ areplaced in a common plane (i.e., the plane of the paper) such that a maleedge 516 of a first panel 510 is aligned in a substantially collinearfashion with a female edge 518′ of a second panel 510′. Then, the secondpanel 510′ slidingly engages the first panel 510 by engaging the maleedge 516 into the female edge 518′. The sliding engagement assists inactivating the adhesive.

FIG. 22 shows an additional method for assembling adjacent panels510,510′. In this embodiment, the panels 510, 510′ are set in a commonplane with the male edge 516 of a first panel facing the female edge518′ of another panel 510′. Then, the respective edges 516, 518′ areslid toward one another so the respective edges 516, 518′ engage andbecome interlocked. Generally, an installer will feel when the panelsare adjoined using the method depicted in FIG. 22.

In some embodiments of the method (for example, the method shown in FIG.21 and the method shown in FIG. 22), the panels become engaged such thatrelative sliding movement along the engaged edges 516, 518′, is allowed,but relative movement transverse to the engaged edges 516, 518′ isprevented. In all embodiments, the configuration of the edges allows theinstaller to move the panels before the adhesive cures, and the edgesare configured to remain in contact without the use of clamps orinstallation straps.

FIG. 23 shows adjacent panels 510 in an already engaged position suchthat first surfaces 512 abut one another with no gap there between. Inthis condition, the panels may be slid, such as in the direction shown,until the panel is in a preselected position.

FIG. 24 illustrates yet another method of linking adjacent panels. Asshown, a rectangular, e.g., square, panel 510 may be installed withother panels 510′ by moving the male edge 516 of a first panel 510 intocontact with a female edge 518′ of another panel 510′ by moving thepanel 510 at an angle with respect to the male edge 516. As shown inFIG. 24, the panel 510 may be installed diagonally with respect to theedges 516, 516′, 518, 518′. The same method of installation may beachieved with rectangular panels, of unequal side dimensions.

FIG. 25 depicts an embodiment of the invention wherein the joint betweenadjacent panels is a friction-fit. As is known in the art, afriction-fit joint is formed when a tongue 602 on a first panel 604 isinserted into a corresponding groove 606 on a second panel 606. However,because the size and shape of tongue 602 almost identically matches thesize and shape of groove 606, friction between the surfaces of thetongue 602 and groove 604 resist decoupling of the panels.

Additionally, the embodiment of FIG. 25 includes ridges 610, which canserve a variety of purposes. Ridges 610 can enhance the locking forceprovided by the tongue 602 and the groove 604. Additionally, dependingupon the particular size and configuration of the individual ridges 610,the ridges 610 can be included to assist in activating the preglue. Forexample, the ridges 610 may be raised or bossed sections of the tongue602 or groove 604 which assist in bursting microcapsules ormicro-balloons containing the adhesive, or may be additionalmicro-balloons themselves, containing some part of the adhesive system,such as a crosslinking agent, initiator solvent, water or any othercomponent used to activate the preglue. Although ridges 610 are shownonly in connection with the friction-fit joint of FIG. 25, it isconsidered within the scope of this invention to include ridges on thetongue and/or groove of any joint disclosed herein, such as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. The ridges 610 may additionally take the shape ofmicroridges or micro sharp textures, placed, for example, on the surfaceof the grooves or on the surface of the tongues or both.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described,sine these may be readily modified by those of ordinary skill in the artto which this invention pertains without departing from the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flooring panel comprising: a base; an uppersurface layer; a first pair of parallel side edges, comprising a firstside edge and an opposite second side edge; a second pair of parallelside edges, comprising a third side edge and an opposite fourth sideedge, wherein the third and fourth side edges are adjacent to the firstand second side edges; and joining members for joining the flooringpanels in an inter-lockable manner with similar adjacent flooringpanels; wherein the base of the flooring panel is substantially made ofplastic; wherein the joining members are made of the same material as,and as a unitary part of, the base of the flooring panel; wherein theflooring panel is provided with a male joining member on the first sideedge and a female joining member on the second side edge; whereby thefirst and second side edges can be joined with respective side edges ofsimilar adjacent flooring panels via the male and female joining membersthrough turning motion; wherein the flooring panel is provided with amale vertical assembly joining member on the third side edge and afemale vertical assembly joining member on the fourth side edge; wherebythe third and fourth side edges can be joined with respective side edgesof similar adjacent flooring panels via the male and female verticalassembly joining members through vertical motion; wherein the male andfemale vertical assembly joining members are provided with at least onesnapping hook with matching undercut which provide cooperating lockingsurfaces that limit the vertical movement of the flooring panel when theflooring panel is joined with similar adjacent flooring panels; wherebythe male and female vertical assembly joining members provide a snapaction when the third and fourth side edges are being joined withrespective side edges of similar adjacent flooring panels; wherein themale and female vertical assembly joining members each comprise one ormore substantially horizontal support surfaces; wherein the supportsurfaces form an end abutment when the male vertical assembly joiningmember is pushed downwards into the female vertical assembly joiningmember; and wherein the locking surface of the male vertical assemblyjoining member extends further distally than any of the one or moresubstantially horizontal support surfaces of the male vertical assemblyjoining member.
 2. The flooring panel of claim 1, wherein the flooringpanel is rectangular, with the first pair of parallel side edges forminglong side edges and the second pair of parallel side edges forming shortside edges.
 3. The flooring panel of claim 2, wherein the upper surfacelayer of the flooring panel consists of a paint.
 4. The flooring panelof claim 2, wherein the upper surface layer of the flooring panel is anultraviolet (UV) curing layer.
 5. The flooring panel of claim 4, whereinthe UV curing layer comprises a resin.
 6. The flooring panel of claim 2,wherein the upper surface layer of the flooring panel consists of aplastic foil.
 7. The flooring panel of claim 2, wherein the uppersurface layer of the flooring panel consists of a thermoplastic foilselected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, andpolyvinyl chloride.
 8. The flooring panel of claim 1, wherein thejoining member at the third side edge is configured such that it can bejoined to the joining member of a fourth side edge of a similar adjacentpanel, simultaneously upon joining the joining member of the first sideedge to the joining member of a second side edge of a similar adjacentpanel by a turning motion.
 9. A flooring panel, comprising: a base; anupper surface layer; at least a first pair of parallel side edges,comprising a first side edge and an opposite second side edge; and aglue system applied at the factory and at least present at the firstand/or second side edge; wherein the base of the flooring panel issubstantially made of plastic; wherein the flooring panel is providedwith a vertical assembly system on the first side edge, the verticalassembly system having an upward facing gluing surface, and a verticalassembly system on the second side edge, the vertical assembly systemhaving a downward facing gluing surface, whereby the first and secondside edges can be joined with respective side edges of similar adjacentflooring panels via the vertical assembly systems through verticalmotion; wherein the vertical assembly systems are made of the samematerial as, and as a unitary part of, the base of the flooring panel;wherein the glue system is applied to the upward facing gluing surfaceand/or the downward facing gluing surface, the glue system capable ofadhesively connecting the upward facing gluing surface and downwardfacing gluing surface with respective gluing surfaces of similaradjacent flooring panels; and wherein the flooring panel comprises anupper surface of thermoplastic foil.
 10. The flooring panel of claim 9,wherein the upward and downward facing gluing surfaces comprise ridgesprovided to activate the glue system when the flooring panel is joinedto similar adjacent flooring panels.
 11. The flooring panel of claim 9,wherein the glue system is activated upon removal of a protective stripfrom the upward and/or downward facing gluing surface.
 12. The flooringpanel of claim 9, wherein the glue system comprises an adhesive that iscontained within or activated by micro-balloons that are ruptured whenthe flooring panel is being joined to similar adjacent flooring panels.13. The flooring panel of claim 9, wherein the glue system is activatedby use of an activator, wherein the activator comprises water or asolvent.
 14. The flooring panel of claim 9, wherein the glue system islocated at a certain level, the level being lower than the level definedby the plastic foil.
 15. The flooring panel of claim 14, wherein thepanel is rectangular and is provided with the glue system on all sideedges.